CUSTOMIZABLE GOLF BALL AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZABLE GOLF BALL
The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for providing a golf ball that is customizable by a golfer to achieve a golfer's desired playing characteristics. The customizable golf ball includes multiple layers of customizable thermoplastic or thermoset materials in varying hardness levels that may be assembled by the golfer to achieve a desired feel in play. After play, the customizable golf ball may be disassembled to again vary the playing characteristics of the ball by substituting layers of varying hardness levels, or to simply replace old or worn out parts.
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This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 13/408,193, filed Feb. 29, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present disclosure relates generally to a customizable golf ball and a method for providing a customizable golf ball to a golfer.
Golf is a sport that enjoys wide popularity around the world and is played by golfers of all ages, from young to old. To aid and improve their performance, golfers continually search for and adopt the best and newest equipment, including golf clubs, golf balls, apparel and training devices. To that end, there are many equipment choices available, including a number of different golf ball brands and types, each designed to exhibit certain characteristics in play. Golfers typically buy golf balls in a finished state, i.e. ready-to-use, and select a ball that is most suitable for a desired combination of performance characteristics or that is designed for their skill level.
Golf ball constructions may generally include a core made from a resilient material and a cover made from a more durable material, such as synthetic resin. The core is typically made from rubber or a similar material and may have a wound or solid construction. Intermediate layers made from a variety of materials may be provided between the core and cover to vary the perceived feel when the ball is hit, or to exhibit certain performance characteristics in play. Typically, golfers must search for ready-to-use balls with constructions that achieve their desired feel and performance.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for providing a golf ball that is customizable by a golfer to achieve his or her desired feel and/or performance characteristics. The customizable nature of the disclosed golf ball also allows a golfer to replace or refurbish old or worn-out parts of the ball.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of providing a customizable golf ball to a golfer. The method includes the steps of providing an inner core piece having a first hardness, providing at least two intermediate layer pieces having a second hardness, and providing at least two cover pieces having a third hardness. According to the method, the intermediate layer pieces have interior surfaces configured to mate with an exterior surface of the inner core piece, and the intermediate pieces substantially form a sphere when joined. In addition, the interior surfaces of the at least two cover pieces are configured to mate with an exterior surface of the at least two intermediate layer pieces, and together the at least two cover pieces substantially form a sphere.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides an additional method of providing a customizable golf ball to a golfer. The method involves providing an inner core piece that includes a plurality of apertures, and providing a plurality of tenons, whereby portions of the tenons may be fitted within some or all of the apertures. The method also includes providing at least two intermediate layer pieces configured to create a spherical cover for the inner core piece and that further include interior surfaces with a plurality of apertures for receiving portions of the tenons. The method further includes providing at least two cover pieces configured to mate with and create a spherical cover for the at least to intermediate layer pieces.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides yet another method of providing a customizable golf ball to a golfer. The additional method involves providing an inner core piece having a first hardness. The method further includes providing at least two cover pieces comprising a second hardness. The interior surfaces of the at least two cover pieces are further configured to mate with an exterior surface of the inner core piece and to join together to form a sphere.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.
The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
The present disclosure relates to golf balls that may be customized by a golfer, and methods for providing customizable golf balls.
The performance of a golf ball may be driven by a number of factors including: the materials that are used to make the ball; the number of layers within the ball; the hardness and/or density of the material that makes up each layer; the thickness of each layer; and the way the layers are assembled to form the ball. Each of these features may affect the feel of the ball when it is struck by a golf club as well as the performance of the ball in flight and after touchdown, including the maximum velocity and spin rate achieved by the ball in flight. For example, golf balls with multiple internal layers may exhibit higher maximum spin rates after impact with a club face. Other features of the core may result in lower spin rates but increased velocity and distance. Golfers typically select a ball based on a desired combination of playing characteristics, often dependent upon the golfer's skill level. According to embodiments set forth herein, golfers may customize a golf ball, such as golf ball 10 of
As depicted in the exploded view of golf ball 10 in
According to at least one embodiment, the internal core 40 may comprise a solid spherical structure with a plurality of core apertures 42 spaced evenly over the surface of core 40 for receiving a plurality of cylindrical tenons 44, as shown in
Referring to the embodiment of
The exterior surface 31 of mantle shell 30 may also include provisions that can impact the ball's structure, according to aspects set forth herein. For example, the exterior surface 31 of mantle shell 30 may include small projections 33 to assist with positioning cover 20 over mantle shell 30. In the embodiment shown in
After core 40 is covered by mantle shell 30 to form a complete inner ball 50 as in
Internal core 40, tenons 44, intermediate mantle shell 30, projections 33, and cover 20 may all be made from a variety of thermoplastic or thermoset materials in a variety of hardness levels to achieve desired playing characteristics. Exemplary thermoplastic materials may include, but are not limited to, ionomer resins, highly neutralized acid polymer compositions, polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, or a combination thereof. Exemplary thermoset materials may include, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic rubber and rubber compositions, polyurethane elastomers, polyamide elastomers, polyurea elastomers, diene-containing polymers, crosslinked metallocene catalyzed polyolefins, silicones, or combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily acknowledge the full breadth of materials available for use beyond those specified, that would still fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
According to aspects described herein, the hardness of the layers of golf ball 10 may be assessed using techniques well-known in the art. In some cases, a durometer measurement may be taken on the surface of any of the layers of golf ball 10. For example, a Shore® durometer measurement may be taken using the Shore scales set forth in the ASTM D2240 testing standards. In at least one embodiment, the hardness of the layers may be assessed using the ASTM D2240 Type D scale (also known as Shore D), as is well-known in the art. In other cases, the ASTM D2240 Type C or other scales may be used to assess the hardness of each of the layers. In still other cases, other well-known methods for measuring hardness may be used, such as JIS-C or JIS K 6253.
According to the present disclosure, the surface hardness level relationship between the layers of golf ball 10 may be dictated by the golfer assembling the customizable ball (assembly discussed in further detail below).
To achieve a variety of desired playing characteristics, a golfer may customize golf ball 10 by using materials of varying hardness levels for the multiple layers of golf ball 10. For example, tenons 44 may have the same or a different surface hardness level from that of core 40 and mantle shell 30. Likewise, projections 33 on mantle shell 30 may have the same or a different surface hardness level from that of mantle shell 30. In addition, the hardness level of core 40 tenons 44 and mantle shell 30 may each be higher or lower in relation to the hardness level of cover 20. As is known in the art, the variation in hardness levels among the multiple layers can create a different feel when the ball is hit. A golfer may customize the feel of golf ball 10 to his/her particular skill level or liking by using layers of varying hardness levels, varying thicknesses or varying materials throughout golf ball 10.
While the hardness level of the layers of the varying embodiments described herein may be any desired value known in the art, typical golf ball configurations include a cover layer that is softer than the mantle shell, as well as a mantle shell that is harder than the core. In particular, hardness levels according to at least one embodiment set forth herein may be in the following ranges: a cover layer with a Shore hardness range between about 25 and 60; an intermediate mantle shell layer with a Shore D hardness range between about 40 and 80; and a core with a Shore D hardness range between about 30 and 65.
According to aspects set forth herein, customizable golf ball 10 may also be disassembled after play to replace existing layers with layers of a varying material or hardness layer to achieve a different feel, or simply to replace old or worn out parts or layers.
Referring to the partial views in
According to an embodiment set forth herein, internal core 140 may comprise a solid spherical structure with a plurality of arcuate projections, first projection 142, second projection 144, third projection 146, and fourth projection 148, which may be referred to, collectively, as alternate core projections 149. Each of alternate core projections 149 may form an arcuate protrusion from a first end 141 (or pole) of core 140 to a second end 143 (or opposite pole) of core 140. Further, each of alternate core projections 149 may exhibit a rectangular-shaped cross-section as depicted in the cross-sectional view of
Referring to
Inner ball 150 may be covered by a cover layer 120 which may be formed by third cover piece 122 and fourth cover piece 123, as depicted in
Similar to previously discussed embodiments, internal core 140, intermediate mantle shell 130, cover 120 may all be made from a variety of thermoplastic or thermoset materials, as set forth above, in a variety of hardness levels to achieve desired playing characteristics. Further, it is contemplated that each piece of core 140, mantle shell 130 and cover 120 may be formed by one-time molding, by attaching alternate core projections 149 to core 140 and projections 139 to mantle shell 130 separately by thermoplastic adhesive, or by any other method known to those of skill. Thus, those skilled in the art will readily acknowledge the full breadth of materials available for use beyond those specified, as well as the method of forming the layers of golf ball 110, which would still fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
According to aspects described herein, the hardness of the layers of golf ball 110 may be assessed using techniques known in the art. In some cases, a durometer measurement may be taken on the surface of any of the layers of golf ball 110, as set forth above. According to the present disclosure, the hardness level of each of the layers of golf ball 110 may be dictated by the golfer assembling the customizable ball (assembly discussed in further detail below).
As previously discussed, to achieve a variety of desired playing characteristics, a golfer may customize golf ball 110 by using materials of varying hardness levels for the multiple layers of golf ball 110. For example, core 140 may have the same or a different surface hardness level from that of mantle shell 130. Likewise, the hardness level of core 140 and mantle shell 130 may each be higher or lower in relation to the hardness level of cover 120. In addition, alternate core projections 149 on core 140 and exterior projections 159 on mantle shell 130 may have the same or a different surface hardness level from that of the other layers of golf ball 110. As is known in the art, the variation in hardness levels among the multiple layers can create a different feel when the ball is hit. A golfer may customize the feel of golf ball 110 to his/her particular skill level or liking by using layers and/or projections of varying hardness levels, varying thicknesses or varying materials throughout golf ball 110.
Customizable golf ball 110 may be assembled by a golfer in the manner depicted in
Likewise, customizable golf ball 110 may also be disassembled after play to switch out layers to achieve a different “feel” or to replace old or worn out parts or layers. Disassembly of golf ball 110 may be accomplished by applying a solvent as discussed above, or by using any suitable means known in the art for reversing adhesive properties of an adhesive used during assembly.
Referring to the partial views in
According to the embodiment set forth herein and depicted in
Referring to
Inner ball 250 may be covered by an alternate cover layer 220 which may be formed by fifth cover piece 222 and sixth cover piece 222, as depicted in
Alternate cover layer 220 may include provisions for securing fifth cover piece 222 and sixth cover piece 223. In particular, fifth cover piece 222 and sixth cover piece 223 may further include threaded area 225 and threaded area 265, respectively. Threads 225 may be positioned on an interior surface 228 of fifth cover piece 222 and configured to engage with threads 265, positioned slightly inward of exterior surface 227 of sixth cover piece 223. Threaded areas 225 and threaded area 265 may be engaged and secured in a manner similar to engaging a cap on a bottle.
Similar to previously discussed embodiments, internal core 140, intermediate mantle shell 230, alternate cover 220 may all be formed according to methods set forth above and may be made from a variety of thermoplastic or thermoset materials, as set forth above, in a variety of hardness levels to achieve desired playing characteristics. Those skilled in the art will readily acknowledge the full breadth of materials available for use beyond those specified, as well as the breadth of methods available for forming the layers of alternate golf ball 210, that would still fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
As previously discussed, to achieve a variety of desired playing characteristics, a golfer may customize alternate golf ball 210 by using materials of varying hardness levels for the multiple layers of alternate golf ball 210. As is known in the art, the variation in hardness levels among the multiple layers can create a different feel when the ball is hit. A golfer may customize the feel of alternate golf ball 210 to his/her particular skill level or liking by using layers and/or projections of varying hardness levels, varying thicknesses or varying materials throughout alternate golf ball 210.
Alternate golf ball 210 may be assembled by a golfer as previously discussed, and in the manner depicted in
Customizable alternate golf ball 210 may also be disassembled after play to switch out layers to achieve a different feel or to replace old or worn out parts or layers. Disassembly of alternate golf ball 210 may be accomplished by disengaging threaded area 225 and threaded area 265 of cover layer 220, and applying a solvent as discussed above to those layers secured with adhesive, or by using other suitable means known in the art for reversing adhesive properties of an adhesive used during assembly.
As depicted in the exploded view of golf ball 310 in
According to at least one embodiment, and similar to previously discussed embodiments, the internal core 340 may comprise a solid spherical structure with a plurality of core apertures 342 spaced evenly over the surface of core 340 for receiving a plurality of cylindrical tenons 344, as shown in
According to aspects described herein, cover 320 may be comprised of four quarter-sphere pieces, seventh cover piece 322, eighth cover piece 324, ninth cover piece 326 and tenth cover piece 328.
Similar to previously discussed embodiments,
Likewise, customizable golf ball 310 may also be disassembled after play to switch out layers to achieve a different feel or to replace old or worn out parts or layers. Disassembly of golf ball 310 may be accomplished by applying a solvent as discussed above, or by using any suitable means known in the art for reversing adhesive properties of an adhesive used during assembly.
Core 340, tenons 344 and cover 320 may all be made from a variety of thermoplastic or thermoset materials, as set forth in relation to previously discussed embodiments, in a variety of hardness levels to achieve desired playing characteristics. Further, those skilled in the art will readily acknowledge the full breadth of materials available for use beyond those specified, that would still fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
According to the present disclosure, the surface hardness level relationship between the layers of golf ball 310 may be dictated by the golfer assembling the customizable ball in order to customize playing characteristics of the ball. As previously discussed, to achieve a variety of desired playing characteristics, a golfer may customize golf ball 310 by using materials of varying hardness levels for the multiple layers of golf ball 310. For example, core 340 may have the same or a different hardness level from that of cover 320. Likewise, the hardness level of tenons 344 may be higher or lower in relation to the hardness levels of core 340 and cover 320. Each of the hardness levels of the varying layers of golf ball 310 may be assessed using the standard techniques discussed above and as would be well-known in the art. For example, in some cases, a durometer measurement may be taken using the ASTM D2240 Type D scale (also known as Shore D).
According to aspects set forth herein, a golf ball may be further enhanced with an outer layer to provide additional stability to the surface of the golf ball or to enhance the aesthetics of the golf ball. For example, in some cases, a thin outer layer may be applied to further seal seam lines or to provide a color or other aesthetic effect to the ball. Referring to
Heat-shrinkable sleeve 420 may be sized to fit snugly around a golf ball, such as golf ball 310 in
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims
1. A method of assembling a customized golf ball, the method comprising:
- providing an inner core piece, wherein the inner core piece comprises a first hardness;
- assembling at least two intermediate layer pieces about the inner core piece, wherein the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise a second hardness, wherein interior surfaces of the at least two intermediate layer pieces interlock with an exterior surface of the inner core piece via a plurality of tenons extending therebetween, and wherein the at least two intermediate pieces form a sphere when joined together; and
- assembling at least two cover pieces about the at least two intermediate layer pieces, wherein the at least two cover pieces comprise a third hardness, wherein interior surfaces of the at least two cover pieces abut an exterior surface of the at least two intermediate layer pieces, and wherein the at least two cover pieces form a sphere when joined together.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a thermoplastic adhesive for connecting the inner core piece, the at least two intermediate layer pieces and the at least two cover pieces.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner core further comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of tenons.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the interior surfaces of the at least two intermediate layer pieces further comprise a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of tenons.
5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of tenons comprise a fourth hardness, and wherein the fourth hardness is different than the first hardness.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first hardness is different than the second hardness.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first hardness is less than the second hardness.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise four adjoining quarter spheres.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise two adjoining half spheres.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first hardness is in a range from about 30 to about 65 Shore D, wherein the second hardness is in a range from about 40 to about 80 Shore D, and wherein the third hardness is in a range from about 25 to about 60 Shore D.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least two cover pieces further comprise threaded edges, and wherein the threaded edges are configured to engage with each other.
12. A method of assembling a customized golf ball, the method comprising:
- providing an inner core piece, wherein the inner core piece includes a plurality of apertures for receiving portions of a plurality of tenons;
- inserting each of a plurality of tenons into a respective one of the plurality of apertures;
- assembling at least two intermediate layer pieces to create a spherical cover surrounding the inner core piece, wherein each intermediate layer piece comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surfaces of the intermediate layer pieces include a plurality of apertures for receiving portions of the plurality of tenons; and
- assembling at least two cover pieces to create a spherical cover surrounding the at least to intermediate layer pieces, wherein each cover piece comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, and wherein the interior surfaces of the at least two cover pieces abut the exterior surfaces of the at least two intermediate layer pieces.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of tenons are cylindrical-shaped.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein:
- the inner core piece comprises a first hardness ranging from about 30 to 65 Shore D;
- the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise a second hardness that ranges from about 40 to 80 Shore D; and
- the at least two cover pieces comprise a third hardness ranging from about 25 to 60 Shore D.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 7, 2016
Publication Date: Apr 28, 2016
Applicant: NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Inventors: Shi-Hsien Yeh (Yun-Lin Hsien), Chen-Tai Liu (Yun-Lin Hsien)
Application Number: 14/990,432